From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Recommending the use of low-pressure tyres for Phantom & Goshawk chassis, detailing the advantages and disadvantages.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\July1926-September1926\ Scan093 | |
| Date | 3rd September 1926 | |
| To BB.) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} RY.) C. to WCR. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ORD. IN DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} ORIGINAL R3/M3.9.26. PHANTOM & GOSHAWK. LOW PRESSURE TYRES. Handwritten: XL4565 X8820 X8430 X5820 Regarding HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} memo. concerning the above, I agree that we should offer, and recommend, low pressure tyres for both our chassis. You will remember that six months ago I asked that we should prepare to be able to do so without delay, as soon as it was agreed that they were reasonably safe. I think the matter is quite urgent for our reputation. The advantages are (especially in France) :- (1) Greater comfort for the passengers. (2) Less risk of broken springs, frames, steering gear, and other parts (safety). (3) Less shock to the steering wheel. (4) Less body noises. (5) Less destruction to the coachwork. The disadvantage that I know of is the risk of high speed steering wobbles (for which we have provided the most efficient means known, namely, hydraulic shock dampers which are more constant and freer from harshness than any other dampers), and possibly great risk of skidding with worn tyres. This matter to my mind is very important and urgent, and any cars recently supplied with which the owners are dissatisfied, should be modified in steering and damping, to be suitable for such tyres, at an expense to the owner of changing the tyres and wheels only. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||